Ananth Bala

Work experience

Aug 2006 - Dec 2009

Manufacturing-IT Systems Engr

Solutions Analyst responsible for analysis and development of solutions and business process for production-IT. Participated in the entire lifecycle of projects related to initial concept, business requirement development, gap analysis, operation design and testing process. Engaged with system integrators, business and project managers, outsource developers and key stakeholders to understand business needs, brainstorm/visualize new ideas, implement process changes, document procedures and assist with production issues.

·Managed production systems consolidation and migration with end goal of reducing production workflow footprint by 40% and increasing efficiency by identifying synergies within the enterprise and serving as subject matter expert for the business.

·Increased full-color production volume by 40% by analyzing processes and revamping production workflow along with adding automation capability for incoming orders (via web2print).

·Enhanced personal check product offerings and process efficiency by advising system modifications and feature change during platform redesign, migration to all digital process and use web-based output files management.

·Assist with troubleshooting and analysis of issues relating to workflow and processes within Production-IT, device verification tools and fail-safe mechanisms with order flow to reduce customer complaints and increase uptime.

·Developed training modules and standard operating procedures for processes and systems using collaborative technologies in order to effectively transition systems support reducing group’s support responsibilities.

·Facilitated the collaboration between business and development teams with enhancement features, workflow changes and on-going support for enterprise composition/imposition platform

·Streamlined production codebase by establishing a version control infrastructure, documenting various workflow processes and playing an active role in transforming development lifecycle.

·Translated business requirements into technical specifications for an end-to-end solution migration from physical hardware to virtualized platform.

·Served as technical consultant for development and implementation of web-based application to manage Output files for high volume variable data printing operation.

·Managed successful post-acquisition strategy for Safeguard Business Systems by co-coordinating integration of manufacturing operations, IT infrastructure and enhancing production capabilities.

·Reduced waste and simplified processing of full-color orders by analyzing value-stream for the entire process and assist with process changes, application automation along with verification prior to shipping.

·Collaborated with various business units in the design and development of workflow for personalized mailing labels using variable data printing, digital printing and address verification.

Jan 2001 - Apr 2001

Prepress Consultant

Gray Graphics Corp

Provide technical expertise for a project involving prepress IT infrastructure modernization an design pilot involving MIS for production dept and improve production quality control.
• Developed a comprehensive BHR template for Digital, Conventional, Prepress processes and Estimation guidelines for orders.
• Coordinated installation and pilot testing for EFI MIS system and compile summary report.

Aug 1999 - Sep 2000

Graduate Research Intern-CIMS PRINT

CIMS Print-Printing Applications Lab

Performed test for substrate printing consumables and digital media evaluations, product development and benchmarking, Process Measurement and Control and Press simulation.
• Facilitated printability, runnability substrate tests and ink-present settings for Indigo and Xeikon Digital printers.
• Developed Printing Process Measurement and Control for Press-fingerprinting exercise on Harris web press.

Summary

Summary of Qualifications:
• Senior-level technical specialist with 9 years of experience in expertise in digital print technologies, VDP/cross-media workflows and high volume manufacturing operations. Proven track record in streamlining manufacturing processes using solution design and automation to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Strong foundation in software development methodologies, web technologies, systems hardware and integration, problem solving and debugging. Experience in product pilot and on boarding, technical project planning management, business analysis and requirements.
• Organized team player and skilled at building relationships across the organization and work closely with internal and external customers get right value proposition.
Goals:
• Foster growth in print manufacturing using advances in technology, innovation and human capital.
• Design and Implement practical solutions that demonstrate business improvement by increased revenue growth and operational effectiveness.